Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday, 10 July set an ambitious export target for the state's agricultural sector, announcing plans to place Haryana's mangoes on supermarket shelves in London, New York, Dubai, and Tokyo. Speaking at the inauguration of the 33rd Mango Mela at the historic Yadavindra Gardens in Pinjore, near Panchkula, Saini said farmer incomes would see substantial growth once the state transitions from production to export.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the three-day gathering, CM Saini called on farmers to move beyond their role as producers. 'The farmers must now become value creators and exporters,' he said. He framed the push within the broader national goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, arguing that India's villages and farmlands form the backbone of its emergence as the world's fastest-growing major economy.

The Chief Minister congratulated the Haryana Tourism Corporation and the Horticulture Department for organising the event, calling the Mango Mela a tribute to farming dedication and a celebration of the state's agricultural excellence. The fair showcased over 200 varieties of mangoes, reflecting, in Saini's words, the experience, innovation, and hard work of the farming community.

FPOs and Market Access

Saini stressed that farmers would receive the true value of their labour only when they became active participants in the market. To that end, he highlighted the development of a nationwide network of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), through which small and marginal farmers can pool resources to reduce production costs and improve incomes. This comes amid a broader Centre-level push to strengthen FPO coverage across India's agricultural belt.

Technology on the Farm

The Chief Minister outlined several technology-driven interventions already reaching Haryana's farmers. Drones are being deployed for farm surveys, artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting in soil health assessment, and real-time weather updates are being delivered directly to farmers' mobile phones. 'AI-enabled digital accounting also allows farmers to maintain a complete record of their expenses and income on their smartphones, paving the way for smart farming,' Saini noted.

Notably, he balanced the technology pitch with a caution: while digital tools could guide direction, the true soul of agriculture, he said, lies in the wisdom and lived experience of farmers themselves.

Significance of the Mango Mela

The 33rd Mango Mela at Yadavindra Gardens is one of Haryana's longest-running horticultural events and draws farmers, traders, and agri-tourism visitors from across the region. This year's edition, spanning three days, positions the mela not merely as a cultural celebration but as a platform for market linkage and export awareness. If Haryana's mango export ambitions materialise, they could provide a significant income uplift to fruit growers in districts like Panchkula and surrounding areas.